Manchester to Crewe Trains From £2.80*

Four different UK train operators can take you from Manchester to Crewe. The longest journey is with Northern, which takes an average of fifty-two minutes. Avanti West Coast and Transport for Wales take thirty-four to thirty-eight minutes, while CrossCountry is the fastest, taking only twenty-nine minutes to reach Crewe.

Crewe is a town in Cheshire, around twenty-eight miles south of Manchester. On your journey, you’ll notice the countryside gradually making way for Manchester’s urban and modern landscape, with its tall, glass buildings entwined in a traditional, iconic Northern setting.

Avanti West Coast primarily operates on the West Coast Mainline, reliably connecting major cities in England, Scotland, and Wales, including Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Liverpool.

Departing from Manchester Piccadilly

Manchester Piccadilly is the busiest station in the city. So, it’s an easy spot to travel to, whether you’re already in Manchester or travelling in from elsewhere.

First of all, you can easily get to Piccadilly from Manchester Airport. There’s a direct train from the airport to the station every fifteen minutes. Frequent local bus routes drop you off right outside, and regular Metrolink trams can drop you off at Piccadilly Tram Station.

With six train operators – Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Northern, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, and TransPennine Express all serving Manchester Piccadilly, it's a very convenient station for connecting to other destinations.

Main stops

Four different operators offer travel from Manchester to Crewe, each with varying stops along the way. Avanti West Coast and Northern both stop at Stockport and Wilmslow. Transport for Wales also includes stops at Stockport and Wilmslow. In contrast, CrossCountry offers a direct service with no stops between Manchester and Crewe.

It’s worth noting that these stops may change due to scheduling changes or engineering works. It’s best to double-check before you travel to make sure.

Arriving at Crewe

Crewe train station is located on Nantwich Road near the town centre. Due to its central location, it is handily served by local taxis and buses. It even has car parking spaces that are available seven days a week.

There’s tons to do in Crewe. If you’re attracted to the glitz and the glamour of the theatre, you’ll love Crewe’s Lyceum Theatre, the only Edwardian theatre house in South Cheshire, or pay a visit to Platform Theatre Company, which develops emerging talent in the dramatic arts. If history is more your thing, there’s the town’s Heritage Centre, which showcases its railway heyday, or Crewe Hall, a seventeenth-century mansion.

Avanti West Coast train classes

• Standard Class: Avanti West Coast Standard Class offers walk-through carriages, air-conditioning, and charging plugs for your devices.
• First Class: A Manchester to Crewe First Class ticket with Avanti West Coast gives you access to more legroom, reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, complimentary food and drink, and First Class lounge access.

Avanti West Coast train travel advice

• Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. You must book a space for your bike before you travel.
• Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can benefit from discounted tickets. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
• Passenger Assist: Assist with boarding and alighting trains, book wheelchair space and seating, offer comprehensive rail information, and help with animals or pets.

CrossCountry offers a direct train service from Manchester to Crewe, providing a swift and uninterrupted journey for passengers. Unlike other operators on this route, CrossCountry trains do not make any stops between the two cities, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking for efficiency and speed.

CrossCountry operates an extensive railway network that connects numerous towns and cities across England, Scotland, and Wales. This network facilitates swift and convenient travel to significant British cities, such as Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: Onboard Wi-Fi, charging points, and tables. Snacks and drinks are available from the onboard shop.
• First Class: A CrossCountry Manchester to Crewe First Class ticket provides a more spacious and comfortable journey with larger seats and complimentary refreshments.

CrossCountry train travel advice

• Luggage: A maximum of three items: one small item, one medium-sized bag, and one large suitcase.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small pets are free of charge. They must be well-behaved and do not disturb other passengers. Two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Bicycle reservations are required before travelling.
• Children: Children receive cheaper tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
• Passenger Assist: Provide assistance at stations and on trains, or during transfers, help with luggage, offer discounts for disabled passengers, and other services.

Transport for Wales provides train services from Manchester to Crewe, featuring stops at Stockport and Wilmslow along the route. Known for its commitment to connecting communities across Wales and England, Transport for Wales ensures a comfortable and reliable travel experience, catering to both local commuters and long-distance travelers.

Transport for Wales train classes

• Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
• First Class: It is possible to get a Manchester to Crewe First Class ticket. First Class includes more spacious seating, greater comfort, large tables, and exclusive dining options.

Transport for Wales train travel advice

• Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. It is strongly recommended that you book your ticket in advance to book a bike space. Booking early also lets you buy cheap train tickets, especially on sites like TrainPal.
• Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can save 50% on their tickets. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together.The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
• Passenger Assist: Provide ramps for boarding and alighting trains, guide you through the station, help find and reserve seats, and assist with luggage.

Northern operates train services from Manchester to Crewe, with stops at Stockport and Wilmslow, offering passengers convenient access to these key locations along the route. As a major rail operator in the North of England, Northern focuses on connecting communities, enhancing regional connectivity and supporting local transit needs.

Northern operates train services across regions such as the North East, North West, and Yorkshire & Humberside. It connects significant urban centers, including Newcastle, Preston, York, Leeds, and Manchester, to local hubs like Knaresborough, Heworth, Darlington, and various rural stations.

Northern train classes

• Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
• First Class: Northern does not have First Class sections on any of its trains.

Northern train travel advice

• Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. There is no need to book a space.
• Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can save 50% on their tickets. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
• Passenger Assist: Assist passengers with boarding and alighting trains, help with entering and exiting stations, reserve seats, purchase tickets, and more.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.